EN

Helictochloa levis

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Helictochloa levis faces severe population decline due to habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. Overgrazing by livestock has significantly reduced the quality of its native grassland habitats, while climate change-induced drought stress threatens the species' ability to complete its reproductive cycle. The fragmentation of remaining suitable habitats has isolated populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization potential.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic grass species inhabits dry Mediterranean grasslands, rocky slopes, and open woodlands at elevations between 200-1,200 meters. It typically grows in calcareous soils with sparse vegetation cover, often associated with degraded pastures and semi-natural grassland communities.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recovery

Other threatened species in POACEAE

VU

Panicum pinifolium

Unknown
VU

Eragrostis usambarensis

Unknown
VU

Cymbopogon bhutanicus

Unknown
VU

Drepanostachyum annulatum

Unknown

Threatened in Spain

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown
VU

Hemicycla invernicata

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Helictochloa levis classified as Endangered?
Helictochloa levis is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Helictochloa levis faces severe population decline due to habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. Overgrazing by livestock has significantly reduced the quality of its native grassland habitats, while climate change-induced drought stress threatens the species' ability to complete its reproductive cycle. The fragmentation of remaining suitable habitats has isolated populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization potential.
Where does Helictochloa levis live?
Helictochloa levis occurs in Spain. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Helictochloa levis?
The main threats to Helictochloa levis are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.